It arrives at last

While there's a common saying — at least in the rainy old UK — that "when it rains, it pours", we're not sure that can be applied to the Nintendo Download this week. There's an eagerly anticipated release on the Wii U eShop — making it the second download-only release on the console in as many weeks — as well as a retail download addition, yet Wii, DSi and 3DS are lacking new downloadable games. In any case, let's get to the details.

Wii U download software

Zen Pinball 2 (Zen Studios, Free with DLC ranging from €2.99 - €9.99 / £2.39 - £7.99) — Just sneaking into Europe for January, as has been the plan in recent weeks, this pinball title is a free download with trials of every table, and you then buy the content that you want from a wide range on offer. The series predecessors on the 3DS eShop have been popular, and we'll be hitting the tables to bring you a review of this home console sequel soon; in the meantime you can learn more in our interview with Zen Studios.

Wii U retail download

Batman: Arkham City Armoured Edition (Warner Bros., €59.99 / £49.99) — This launch title finally makes it as a download on the Wii U eShop. It earned critical plaudits when released first on other systems and PC, and the Wii U version brings GamePad-specific features and a new B.A.T. suit functionality, along with the various DLC and extras originally sold separately. You can see what we thought in our Batman: Arkham City Armoured Edition review.

3DS download video

The Beet Party: Beet Scratch (Redrover) (€0.99 / £0.89) — The Beet Party: Beet Scratch is the first in a series of 3D short videos available for download on Nintendo eShop. The two-minute interstitials target four to six year olds and follow the adventures of the five coolest beets around as they explore, experiment, celebrate and communicate with beat-boxing sounds when something new arrives in their fridge.


That's it for this week, a modest selection by any standards, though we suspect that most with a Wii U will be sampling the free trial delights on their system. Let us know which downloads are in your plans in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading first this week? (153 votes)

  1. Zen Pinball (Wii U eShop)53%
  2. Batman: Arkham City Armoured Edition (Wii U retail download)  0.7%
  3. The Beet Party: Beet Scratch (3DS video download)3%
  4. Nothing for me this week44%

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